The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ROSE BOWL

The best of Pasadena (besides the parade) Where to cheer with other Bulldogs fans How well do you know UGA football?

- By Bo Emerson bemerson@ajc.com

You’re going to be busy if you’re traveling to Pasadena to see the Dogs play the Sooners.

Beginning at 8 a.m., Jan. 1, you’re going to want to see the Rose Parade, a momentous display of pomp, brass and botanicals, but you’d better get up early because some streets around the parade will be closed — even to foot traffic — by 6:30 a.m.

After the parade, you and 90,000 of your friends will be catching the football game at 5 p.m. (pre-game festivitie­s begin at 1 p.m.), and in between you might want to get a feel for this home of Caltech, numerous television shows and a legendary Little Old Lady with a lead foot.

Here’s how to do it:

The Rose Parade

The 5.5-mile Rose Parade attracts nearly 1 million spectators, who are encouraged to take public transit to the neighborho­od (such as the Metro Gold Line from downtown Los Angeles, and thence Pasadena Transit) to get around street closures.

Die-hard fans camp out on the sidewalk the night before the parade to secure good vantage points, but there are ways to enjoy life’s rich pageant without buying an expensive grandstand seat or getting up early. Consult VisitPasad­ena.com or the helpful guide from Tripsavvy available at goo.gl/ygx3f8.

Carmela Ice Cream Co.

You will be hungry after a day of clapping for marching bands. Carmela Ice Cream is known for lavish flavors (including lavender and cardamom) and ice creammakin­g classes; 2495 E. Washington Blvd., 626-797-1405

Euro Pane Bakery

If ice cream isn’t enough, try a croque monsieur or a delicate pastry at the Euro Pane Bakery; 950 E. Colorado Blvd.

Descanso Garden

After the excitement of the game, seek tranquilit­y at Pasadena’s Descanso botanical garden, bedecked this time of year with holiday lights; 1418 Descanso Drive; www. descansoga­rdens.org/, 818949-4200

‘Big Bang Theory’

Fans of “The Big Bang Theory” know that the city of Pasadena plays a big role in the show. The view from Sheldon and Leonard’s apartment shows the distinctiv­e dome of Pasadena City Hall, and other Pasadena sights are part of the action.

The clever folks at GeekDad.com have come up with a tour of “Big Bang” landmarks, including what might have been the model for Stuart’s comic store and the Whistle Stop, Sheldon’s go-to source for model train supplies.

(True nerds will have planned ahead to combine a “Big Bang” tour with a stop at NASA’s nearby storied Jet Propulsion Laboratory (www. jpl.nasa.gov/). A tour of the space probes and other artifacts at this facility does, however, require a minimum of three weeks’ notice.)

Pasadena Museum of California Art

Among the exhibits currently on display at this unique museum is “Hollywood in Havana,” a collection of posters from Cuba extolling American movies; 490 E. Union St., 626568-3665, pmcaonline.org/

Norton Simon Museum

Close at hand for parade watchers (though it is closed on Jan. 1) is another alternativ­e, the Norton Simon Museum, which features $100 million in art collected by industrial­ist Simon. The museum hosts performanc­es and other events and also includes a restful sculpture garden. 411 W. Colorado Blvd.; 626-449-6840, www.nortonsimo­n.org/.

Float viewing

After the Rose Parade, on Jan. 1-2, you will have an opportunit­y (for $15) to view the floats up close and admire the handiwork that goes into their constructi­on; www.tournament­ofroses. com/events/post-parade

Eaton Canyon

Near town is Eaton Canyon, a 190-acre nature preserve with waterfalls, hiking and equestrian trails, open daily from sunrise to sunset. 1750 N. Altadena Drive; www.ecnca.org/.

The White Horse

Since cheering is thirsty work, stop in at the White Horse (whitehorse­pasadena.com/) for single-malt Scotch and exalted pub food; 41 S. De Lacey Ave.; 626-583-9013

 ?? AP PHOTO / MICHAEL OWEN BAKER ?? The RAGU Pasta Sauce “Simmered in Tradition” float is the most recent winner of the Rose Parade’s National Trophy for best depiction of life in the U.S.A., past, present or future. This year’s parade is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Jan. 1, but some...
AP PHOTO / MICHAEL OWEN BAKER The RAGU Pasta Sauce “Simmered in Tradition” float is the most recent winner of the Rose Parade’s National Trophy for best depiction of life in the U.S.A., past, present or future. This year’s parade is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Jan. 1, but some...
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 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D ?? “The Big Bang Theory” is among numerous television shows that are filmed in Pasadena or features scenes from the Los Angeles suburb.
CONTRIBUTE­D “The Big Bang Theory” is among numerous television shows that are filmed in Pasadena or features scenes from the Los Angeles suburb.

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